Who is CGFNS International?

CGFNS International is a non-profit, internationally recognized authority on credentials evaluation and verification pertaining to the education, registration and licensure of nurses and health care professionals worldwide.

Why was CGFNS created?

See www.cgfns.org/sections/about/default.shtml.

Who is ICHP?

The International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) is a division of CGFNS International. CGFNS launched ICHP in 1996 to administer its VisaScreen^®: Visa Credentials Assessment, which is a federally-approved screening program for foreign health care workers seeking occupational visas in the United States.

What are the mission and vision of CGFNS International?

See www.cgfns.org/sections/mission.shtml.

How can CGFNS help me?

CGFNS administers several services that may be prerequisites for licensure in the United States and a U.S. Federal Government-approved screening program that is required of certain health care professionals to qualify for an occupational visa.

For information about the Certification Program and the CGFNS Qualifying Exam, go to www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/cp/default.shtml.

For information about the Credentials Evaluation Service, go to www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/ces/default.shtml.

For information about the VisaScreen^®: Visa Credentials Assessment, go to www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs/default.shtml.

For information about the Credential Verification Service for New York State, go to www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/cvs/default.shtml.

Is there a list of requirements of all of the state boards of nursing?

We have a list of the CGFNS services required or accepted by each state board of nursing at www.cgfns.org/sections/tools/apps/sbonrequirements.shtml. You should inquire directly to the state where you want to practice to determine if there may have been any changes since we last published it.

What health care professions does CGFNS service?

The Certification Program is for first-level, general (registered) nurses.

The Credential Verification Service for New York State is for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants. The Credentials Evaluation Service is for multiple levels of nursing professionals.

The VisaScreen^®: Visa Credentials Assessment is for registered nurses, licensed practical or vocational nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, audiologists, clinical laboratory technicians (medical technicians), clinical laboratory scientists (medical laboratory technologists) and speech language pathologists.

Doctors may wish to contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), at http://www.ecfmg.org. Other health professionals should contact the board in the state where they intend to practice.

Does CGFNS do criminal background checks and fingerprinting?

Not at this time.

How do I register and pay in my own country? Where are the offices?

We are headquartered in the United States, but you can register and pay online after you create an account with us at https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp.